Who Was St. Athanasius

St. Athanasius’ story begins near the sparkling waves of Alexandria, a bustling port city in Egypt, around 297 AD. Born into a world filled with ships, markets, and all kinds of beliefs, his parents may have once followed pagan ways—worshipping idols—before embracing Christianity. As a little boy, Athanasius loved the seaside, and one day, he joined some Christian kids in a game that would mark his life. They were playing church, pretending to be priests, deacons, and a bishop. Full of curiosity, Athanasius jumped in, saying, “I’m a Christian too!” The kids laughed and chose him as their “bishop,” playfully splashing water to baptize their friends.

This wasn’t just a game—it was a hint of something special. A story says Bishop Alexander, the leader of Alexandria’s Christians, looked out his window and saw Athanasius leading the play. He smiled and told his helpers, “That boy will do great things for God someday!” Some say the kids’ baptisms were so sincere that Alexander later blessed them with holy oil to make them official, though we don’t know for sure. Whether or not it happened exactly like that, this sunny day by the sea showed Athanasius’ heart was already turning to Jesus.

That seaside moment stayed with him. Alexandria was a lively place, with smart people debating about God and emperors pushing pagan ideas. But young Athanasius found joy in his faith, not fear. Coptic stories tell us he’d sit by the water, watching boats and praying simple prayers, dreaming of a world where everyone loved Jesus. Those early days shaped him into a boy ready to learn, lead, and stand up for what’s right, no matter the challenges ahead.